Trump’s New Rule For Visa Applicants: You Must Have Healthcare

Earlier this evening the Associated Press announced that President Trump had signed a proclamation declaring that starting November 3rd the U.S. government will begin denying visa’s to applicants who are unable to afford healthcare or cover the costs.

The move is unprecedented, and seen as part of a larger plan to curb the flow of immigration into the U.S. It also comes on the heels of the president’s decision in August to enforce the public charge rule, which was designed to block migrants from obtaining green cards if they depend on public assistance.

The new rule will bar entry to the U.S. unless their insurance coverage begins within 30 days of entering the country or have enough financial resources to pay for any medical costs.

It applies only to people seeking visas abroad—not those in the U.S. already.

It applies to spouses and parents of U.S. citizens, but not children.

President Trump has not shied away from openly declaring his intentions regarding immigrants, even as the news outlets, including the New York Times, have reported about the tug of war over the policies within the White House. This latest announcement clearly targets poor immigrants and escalates the pressing question of what type of country the United States wants to be to those who arrive at this borders and shores.

For those keeping a close eye on the ever shifting landscape of immigration policy, we know this is far from over.